Ayu Nurmalasari
MSc Organisational and Social Psychology
2025/26
Learn more about Ayu's background and experience as an AKO scholarship holder in the Department of Psychological and Behavioural Science (PBS).
The generosity of the AKO Foundation didn’t just fund my education; it opened a door that changed the trajectory of my life and created a ripple effect for the people I love.
Hi! Can you tell us where you’re from and what you were doing before starting your MSc?
My name is Ayu and I’m from Indonesia. Before coming to LSE I spent five years working as an HR and Learning & Development professional in a multinational pharmaceutical company. My work was based in a manufacturing area, surrounded by people whose daily routines and challenges shaped the culture of the organisation. Those years taught me that behind every process and policy, there are human stories – and that understanding those stories is essential to understanding how organisations really function.
What were you looking for in a postgraduate programme, and how did LSE meet that?
When I decided to pursue a master’s degree, I wasn’t just looking for academic advancement. I wanted a space to pause, reflect, and make sense of the organisational dynamics I had witnessed first-hand. I hoped to learn how power, culture, and structure interact at a deeper level. The MSc Organisational and Social Psychology at LSE gave me exactly that. Through theory, case studies, and critical discussions, I began to see my professional experiences through a new lens. Concepts that once felt intuitive suddenly had names, frameworks, and histories. It felt like stepping into a room where the lights had been turned on.
How has the support of the AKO Master’s Scholarship affected your studies and wider experience?
None of this would have been possible without the AKO Master’s Scholarship. Their support covered both my studies and my living expenses in London – something I could not have managed on my own, especially while continuing to support my family back home. Being the first in my family to pursue a master’s degree, and the first daughter and woman to reach this milestone, carries a weight that is both emotional and empowering. The generosity of the AKO Foundation didn’t just fund my education; it opened a door that changed the trajectory of my life and created a ripple effect for the people I love.
Can you share one specific moment from your time at LSE that captures what this experience has meant to you?
There was a moment that captured this transformation for me. I remember sitting in the Marshall Building after a long seminar, watching students from all over the world walk past – speaking different languages, carrying different stories, yet all here for the same purpose: to learn and to grow. In that quiet moment, I realised how far I had come from the manufacturing floor in Indonesia. I felt both small and expansive – small in the vastness of London, yet expansive in the sense of possibility. That feeling has stayed with me throughout the year.
How do you hope to apply what you’ve learned at LSE in your career going forward?
As I think about my next steps, I hope to bring perspectives I’ve gained at LSE into real organisational practice. I want to contribute to workplaces that value psychological safety, thoughtful leadership, and strategic alignment – places where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive. I’m still reflecting on where exactly that path will lead, but I know that the way I think and lead has been permanently shaped by this experience.
What tips would you share with incoming AKO Scholars?
To future AKO Scholars, my biggest advice is to be gentle with yourself. The first few weeks can feel overwhelming – new city, new culture, new academic rhythm – but it’s all part of growth. Ground yourself through small, intentional habit: a running or gym routine, cooking meals that nourish you, or simply making time for joy. These small acts of care go a long way in helping you stay centred and confident throughout the year. You don’t have to “arrive” all at once; you grow into this experience slowly, and that’s the beauty of it.